I am a straight line quilter and use various stitches to stitch in the ditch. For example, the scallop stitch creates a great quilted look when the quilt is complete. I think the large quilting machines are great, but I prefer the quilted, coverlet look. If you are new at quilting, make a kid's quilt in squares using a kid's pattern with a solid square in between. It's a great start! Make one large enough, 40 inches by 50, so that the child can use it in day care, napping, and wrapping up. The double stitching, basic and quilting, creates a LASTING one until the child grows out of it. God bless your new adventure. Joan